Frictionless Fast Rolling of Torah Scroll with or without Gearwheel

ABSTRACT

The present invention pertains to frictionless fast rolling of a Torah scroll rolled on two parallel poles. The fast frictionless rolling is enabled by mounting four stands, each on one end of the poles that lift the scroll and discs located near the ends of the poles above a flat horizontal surface. The stands are stable in position, which enables one person to roll the scroll on one pole while the other pole remains fixed in place. Each stand comprises a main body, at least three sides that may be arched, at least three apices that may be round and a through hole located in the main body at a height sufficient to lift the scroll above the flat surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains to rolling a Torah scroll. In particular, the present invention pertains to means for elevating a Torah scroll to facilitate convenient rolling without friction or causing damage to the scroll.

BACKGROUND

The Torah is the holiest and most sacred book to the Jewish people and is a continuous source of wisdom and knowledge. As part of obligatory Jewish customs, it is handwritten in a very particular style on sheets made of a special type of canvas, where the sheets are stitched to neighboring sheets on both their sides using a particular filament or adhered to each other with suitable adhesive. The scroll made of the sheets connected to each other is rolled on two wooden poles, also named “Etz Chaim”, from both its ends, where the sheets on the two ends of the scroll are permanently attached to the poles. Beside the poles, the Ashkenazi fashion of rolling the scroll includes wooden discs on every of the two ends of the two poles. The discs have a circular central void, which enables mounting them on the poles, were the poles are thus used as axles for rolling the scroll. The discs on parallel ends of the poles may be offset relative to each other to enable complete closing the scroll when rolling the poles towards each other. Some Ashkenazi scrolls include a pair of discs on one end of each pole and a single disc on the other end, the pairs of discs themselves being in opposing ends of the poles relative each other. On each end of the poles, the single disc on one pole is offset relative to the two discs on the second pole. This configuration enables accommodating the single disc of one pole inside the gap between the pair of discs in the parallel pole when rolling the two poles towards each other. The discs in each pair are spaced apart a fixed distance from each other, the disc proximal to the scroll may be of smaller diameter than the distal disc, the distal larger diameter discs providing a certain elevation to the scroll when placed in horizontal position on a flat surface.

The Torah scroll is regularly and frequently opened and read in Jewish everyday prayers, every Sabbath and on Holidays. Particularly, an elected section of the Torah is dedicated for every occasion, and the scroll is very frequently opened and rolled back and forth to the elected places in the Torah. As a result, the action of rolling the scroll becomes time-consuming and inconveniently carried out. Further, the sheets and script of the Torah are prone to wearing and tearing due to the iterative rolling that requires applying a relatively large force in pulling a spread sheet and rolling it on one pole after being released from the parallel pole.

Solutions offered for easier and faster rolling of the scroll include a complicated gear mechanism mounted on the poles in their engagement location in the void central circle of the smaller proximal discs. The larger distal discs are cut flat at their contact interface with a flat surface when the scroll is held in horizontal position, thereby fixing it in place and preventing it from swaying due to the action of rolling. Another solution is placing the discs on parallel rails having themselves gears on which the discs roll.

There is, therefore, a need to provide easily applied means and mechanism for rolling a Torah scroll in an effortless, fast and stable way.

Further, another objective of the present invention is to provide easily applied means and mechanism for rolling a Torah scroll that prevent, or at least minimizes, wearing and tearing of the sheets and script.

Further, another objective of the present invention is to provide easily applied means and mechanism for rolling a Torah scroll that avoid friction of the scroll when rolled in horizontal position on a flat surface.

These and other objectives of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY

The following describes general and particular characteristics and features without departing from the general scope of the invention.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a stand that is configured to lift a Torah scroll and maintain it in elevated position to enable frictionless, fast manual rolling of the Torah scroll. Particularly, the scroll is rolled on two poles parallel each other, and its rolling between the two poles is done by a single person that revolves only one pole, while the other pole is maintained in fixed position.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a stand that comprises the following components:

main body; at least three sides; and through hole in the center of the main body, where the vertical length of the main body is larger than the diameter of discs positioned on two sides of each of two parallel poles on which the Torah scroll is rolled.

This configuration of the stand lifts the Torah scroll in stable position above horizontal flat surface and enables a single person to roll the scroll by revolving only one pole around its axis, while the other pole remains fixed in place.

In another option, the present invention provides a stand that is configured to lift a Torah scroll and maintain it in elevated position to enable frictionless, fast manual rolling of the Torah scroll. In particular such stand comprises the following components:

main body; at least three round-shaped apices; concave-shaped sides; and through hole in the body.

Particularly, the through hole is configured to enable insertion of the stand on a pole on which the Torah scroll is rolled, where the hole is located in the body of the stand at a height sufficient to lift the Torah scroll above a flat surface. Further, the Torah scroll is rolled on two poles parallel each other and positioned in horizontal position relative to the flat surface.

This configuration of the stand lifts the Torah scroll in stable position above horizontal flat surface and enables a single person to roll the scroll by revolving only one pole around its axis, while the other pole remains fixed in place.

The stand as described above may also be shaped such that its sides are shaped in straight or concave design. Additionally, the concave sides of the stand are divided to elongated sides having larger length than the side that is positioned parallel to the flat surface. This difference in length of the sides of the stand enables using it as a brake from rolling the Torah scroll, by turning it on its larger side so that the hole is lowered towards the flat surface, such as a table or stall, making its distance from the surface shorter relative to the distance of other stands positioned upright relative to the surface. This mismatch between the distances of the holes from the flat surface locks the scroll in position. The straight sides of the stand may be in equal or unequal length as long as their vertical length is larger than the diameter of the discs on the two ends of each pole.

The number of the round-shaped apices of the stand is not limited in any way, and may be particularly selected from three, four, five and six apices, thus providing a stand with the respective triangular, rectangular, pentagonal and hexagonal shapes. In case of a stand with straight sides, the number of sides is also not limited, and the stand may be a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon or octagon.

The stand may further comprise a Teflon ring located within the hole and interfacing the perimeter surface of the hole on its first side and the surface of the pole on the side parallel said first side.

Alternatively, the stand may further comprise a gearwheel coupling that is located within the hole and interfacing the perimeter surface of the hole on a first side and the surface of the pole on a second side parallel to the first side.

The Teflon ring and gearwheel provide additional speed to the action of rolling by mitigating the friction between the perimeter of the hole in the stand and the surface of the pole. Accordingly, the rolling is made easier and faster.

In another aspect of the present invention, the stand is modular, that is it may assembled from and disassembled to at least to parts. In particular, the stand may comprise two parts connectable with each other with manually releasable fastening means located along interface surfaces of the stand parts, where the modular stand is configured for enabling frictionless, fast manual rolling of the Torah scroll in a stable manner the same as a stand made of a solid single piece.

Such modular formation of the stand enables assembling and disassembling it right on the location where one wishes to position it on the poles, without disengaging the poles from additional elements attached to them such as discs and handles on their ends.

In accordance with the above, in one particular example, the fastening means comprise two magnet strips, where each strip is located along one of the interface surface of each part. The magnet strips have opposing magnetic poles one relative each other that enable them to sufficiently strongly attach the parts to each other and manually release them from each other.

In a second particular example, the fastening means comprise upper and lower clips, where the upper clip is located above the hole in the stand, and the lower clip is located below the hole. The clips surround the perimeter of the stand and are fastened at their ends with releasable fastening means.

In a third particular example, the fastening means comprise top and bottom screws, where the top screw is located above the hole and inserted through a through hole that extends between outer surfaces and through the interface surfaces of the parts. The bottom screw is located below the hole in the stand and inserted into a hole formed of two halves at each side of the interface surfaces. Further, the screws may be better fastened to the stand by introducing flat rings between their heads and the outer surface of the stand parts.

It should be noted that the material from which the stand is made, is not limited to any particular material. Non-limiting examples of particular materials comprise solid polymeric material, metal, metallic alloys, wood and any combination thereof.

Particular material from which the stand may be made of is PMMA (Perspex or polymethyl methacrylate).

Particular metal and metallic alloys comprise copper, silver, gold, brass, bronze, aluminum and iron.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus that is configured to enable frictionless, fast manual rolling of a Torah scroll, where the apparatus comprises:

-   -   four stands, where each one of the stands comprises:     -   main body;     -   at least three sides; and     -   through hole in the center of the main body, where the vertical         length of the main body is larger than the diameter of discs         positioned on two sides of each of two parallel poles on which         the Torah scroll is rolled.

This configuration of the stand lifts the Torah scroll in stable position above horizontal flat surface and enables a single person to roll the scroll by revolving only one pole around its axis, while the other pole remains fixed in place.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus that is configured to enable frictionless, fast manual rolling of a Torah scroll, where the apparatus comprises:

-   -   four stands, where each one of the stands comprises:     -   main body;     -   at least three round-shaped apices;     -   concave-shaped sides; and     -   through hole in said body;     -   a pair of poles placed parallel each other and to which the end         sheets of the Torah scroll are fixedly attached, where the pair         of poles is configured to enable manual rolling, folding and         unfolding the Torah scroll;     -   at least four discs, where each one of the discs is mounted on         one of said poles at selected distance from the ends of the         poles. The discs are configured to provide support for the Torah         scroll and prevent it from slipping down towards the ends of         said poles.

This configuration of the stand lifts the Torah scroll in stable position above horizontal flat surface and enables a single person to roll the scroll by revolving only one pole around its axis, while the other pole remains fixed in place.

Further to the above, each one of the four stands is positioned on the pole between the Torah scroll and the discs.

Using the four stands lifts the Torah scroll in the air at elevated, horizontal and balanced position, thus enabling to manually roll it between the pair of parallel poles in frictionless, fast way.

The apparatus described above may comprise two pairs of discs, where each pair of discs is positioned on one of the poles a selected distance from the first end of the pole and two single discs positioned on one of the poles a selected distance from the second end of the pole, which is opposite the first end. Further, two of the four stands are positioned each between the discs of one of the two pairs of discs.

The following will describe particular and non-limiting examples of the present invention with reference to the drawings without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates triangular configuration of a stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates triangular configuration of a stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface with smoothing ring located inside the void.

FIG. 3 illustrates triangular configuration of a stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface with a gear ring located inside the void.

FIG. 4 illustrates rectangular configuration of a stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface.

FIG. 5 illustrates pentagonal configuration of a stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface.

FIG. 6 illustrates hexagonal configuration of a stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate octagonal configuration of a stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface, with and without gearwheel.

FIG. 8 illustrates triangular configuration of modular two-part stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface.

FIG. 9 illustrates triangular configuration of modular two-part stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface with fastening magnetic means.

FIG. 10 illustrates triangular configuration of modular two-part stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface with fastening clips.

FIG. 11 illustrates triangular configuration of modular two-part stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface with fastening screws.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a Torah scroll with triangular configuration of stands.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a Torah scroll with triangular configuration of stands.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a Torah scroll with triangular configuration of stands.

FIG. 15 is a close view of a Torah scroll with triangular configuration of stand.

FIG. 16 is close view of a Torah scroll with triangular configuration of stand in rest position.

FIGS. 17A-D illustrate octagon with straight sides configuration of a stand for elevating the scroll above a flat surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a triangular version of a stand (1) for elevating a Torah scroll above a flat surface. The basic features of the stand (1) comprise a body (2), apices, three for a triangular stand, (3 a), (3 b) and (3 c) and a through-and-through void or hole (2) located at a specific place in the stand (1). The location of the hole (5) is selection at a height, h, in the stand (1) sufficient to elevate the discs above a flat surface, when the scroll is placed on it in horizontal position. As a result, the scroll is also placed in the air thereby avoiding friction with the surface and enabling a smooth rolling. The curved configuration of the stand (1) sides, (4 a), (4 b) and (4 c) is intended to created separate points of contact of the stand (1) with the surface instead of a continuous interface, therefore avoiding sliding of the stand (1) backwards when rolling the scroll. Such features of the stand (1) set the scroll in stable position and enable effortless, fast and without friction rolling at the same time.

Further, the upper left and right sides (4 b) and (4 c) of the stand (1) are larger than the bottom side (4 a). This difference in length allows stopping the rolling action and locking the scroll in place by turning one of the four stands (1) used to elevate a scroll above a flat surface on its axis so that one of the left or right larger sides, (4 b) or (4 c), faces the flat surface. Now the action of rolling is prevented, because the height, h, of the hole from the now lower side, (4 b) or (4 c), in the turned stand (1) is shorter than the original height, h, in all other stands (1). The elevation of the scroll with four triangular stands (1) is demonstrated in FIG. 13, and closer view of one of the stands (1) in turned position is demonstrated in FIG. 16. Theses Figures will be discussed later in the description.

The rolling of the scroll generates friction between the surface of the pole and the perimeter of the hole (5), which may somewhat slow down the rolling. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate supplemental elements that at least minimize or eliminate such friction. Particularly, FIG. 2 illustrates a smooth Teflon ring (6 a) positioned within the hole (5) and buffers between the perimeter of the hole (5) and the outer surface of the pole. The Teflon ring (6) thus provides a smoother surface for the pole to revolve on, preventing friction and thereby accelerating the speed of rolling the scroll. FIG. 3 illustrates gearwheel (6 b) located within the hole (5) of a triangular stand (1). Placing gearwheel (6 b) ring coupling interfacing with the fixed part, the stand (1) and the revolving part, the pole, generates accelerated revolution of the pole when the pole is turned manually due to engagement of the gearwheel coupling with the perimeter of the hole (5) and the interface of the pole.

The stand may be provided with different shapes as long as its fundamental features are kept, namely fixed, separate contact points, location of the through hole at a level sufficient for lifting the scroll above a flat surface in horizontal position and elongated left and right sides relative to shorter lower side. Alternatively, these features include vertical length larger than the diameter of a disc placed on the poles, where the through hole is located in the center of the stand plate as illustrated in FIGS. 17A-D. Accordingly, FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7A-7B schematically illustrate rectangular (1A), pentagonal (1B), hexagonal (1C) and octagonal (1D, 1D′) shapes of a stand that provides the same or similar functionalities as described for the triangular stand (1). Particularly, FIG. 7B shows that the octagonal shape of the stand is further equipped with gearwheel (6 b) for faster and smoother revolving of the poles on which the Torah scroll is rolled. It should be understood that any one of the stand shapes in FIGS. 4-6 may be equipped with the gearwheel (6 b) and operate in the same manner and speed. Further, the stand of the present invention is not limited to any particular shape as long as it meets the general requirements of configuration and fulfills its particular functionalities.

Mounting any stand on a pole requires first to disassemble the pole ends and then reassemble them after sliding the stand to the desired position on the pole. Such position may be between two discs or after the discs and closer to the Torah scroll. In any selected position, the pole ends are permanently attached to the body of the pole after assembling, thus also permanently placing the stand in position on the pole. Therefore, another configuration of the present invention comprises a modular stand that may be assembled and disassembled regardless of the releasable or fixed state of the pole ends. This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 7, showing two equal parts (1′), (1″) of a triangular stand (1) in separate and interlocked position. The locking of the two parts (1′), (1″) is done through the interface surfaces (7′), (7″) of the parts (1′), (1″), respectively, along the length of the parts, which form a single bonded surface (7). The locking may be done with any fastening means, which are releasable and aid in forming a modular stable stand that has all the functionalities of a solid, single part stand. FIGS. 9-11 schematically illustrate non-limiting examples of fastening means for locking two parts (1′), (1″) to each other into a single triangular stand (1). FIG. 9 shows magnets of opposing poles (7 c), (7 d) along the interfaces of the stand parts (1′), (1″). The magnets may be attached on the surfaces of the interfaces or concealed within the stand just beneath the outer surface of the interfaces. The parts (1′), (1″) connect to each other by the magnetic force of the magnets (7 c), (7 d), when brought closer together. The connection is sufficiently strong to keep the stand stable and serve its functionalities detailed above. On the other hand, the parts may be pulled apart from each other using only manual strength.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates upper and lower clips (8 a), (8 b) that lock the stand parts (1′), (1″) to each other. The clips (8 a), (8 b) wrap around the surface of the stand (1), keeping the two parts (1′), (1″) in locked position and enabling it the stability and functionality required for fast and effortless rolling of the scroll. Parts (8 a′), (8 a″) of clip (8 a) and (8 b′), (8 b″) of clip (8 b) illustrate that the clips surround the entire perimeter of the stand (1), forming a band around it. The clips may be released by unlocking their locking mechanism, thereby releasing the stand (1) from the pole.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a third locking mechanism of two parts, (1′), (1″), to each other using top and bottom screws inserted through holes (9), (11) cut through the stand parts and matching the screws (10 a), (10 b) threads. Hole (9) is formed from the combination of two holes, (9 a′), (9 a″), each one in one of the stand parts (1′), (1″). Hole (11) is formed by combining the two halves (11 b′), (11 b″). Hole (9) crosses the interface between the two surfaces of the stand parts (1′), (1″), and hole (11) actually dissects the bottom portion of the interface. A ring (10′) is used to better fasten the screws (10 a), (10 b) to the stand surface as shown in the combined configuration of the stand (1) with rings (10′a), (10′b).

FIGS. 12-16 show triangular stands (1) mounted on poles (14) around which a real Torah scroll (12) is rolled. Each scroll is elevated with four stands (1) as demonstrated in FIG. 13, in this case the stands (1) being located after the discs (13). The four stands (1) are positioned on their contact apices with the smaller side of the stand facing the flat surface on which the scroll (12) is spread. A closer view on the discs (13) in FIG. 15 shows that it is elevated in the air, leaving a gap (13′) between it and the table on which the scroll is placed. This gap also lifts the scroll sheets (12) in the air, creating a gap (12′) relative to the table as shown in FIG. 14. Manually revolving the ends (14′), (14″) of one pole (14) around its axis causes a frictionless, effortless rolling of the scroll (12) as a result of the gap (12′) created by the stands (1).

To lock the scroll (12) in place, when reaching a selected part of the script after rolling, one stand (12) is turned on its longer side as shown in FIG. 16, bringing the hole (5) (not shown) closer relative to the table surface and as a result lowering the disc (13) to the table and closing the gap (13′). Now the scroll (12) cannot be rolled due to the mismatch between the gap distances (13′) in the upright and turned stands (1).

FIGS. 17A-D show an example of an octagon plate shape (1E) of a stand with straight sides (14) and through hole (5) located in the center of the plate (1E). The length, l, of the plate (1E) is larger than the diameter, d, of the disc (13), which enables lifting the Torah scroll above a flat horizontal surface and manually rolling it by revolving only one pole of two parallel poles on which the scroll is rolled. FIGS. 17C and 17D illustrate the option of inserting gearwheel (6 b) or Teflon ring (6 a) within the through hole (5) of the plate (1E) and between the pole and plate (1E). This increases the speed of rolling the scroll the same way described above.

Although selected embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it is to be appreciated that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 

1. A stand configured for enabling frictionless, fast manual rolling of Torah scroll comprising: main body; at least three round-shaped apices; concave-shaped sides; and through hole in said body; said through hole is configured to enable insertion of said stand on a pole on which said Torah scroll is rolled, said hole is located in said body at a height sufficient to lift said Torah scroll above a flat surface, wherein said Torah scroll is rolled on two poles parallel each other and positioned in horizontal position relative to said flat surface.
 2. The stand of claim 1, wherein said concave-shaped sides comprising elongated sides having larger length than a side positioned parallel to said flat surface.
 3. The stand of claim 1, wherein the number of said round-shaped apices is selected from three, four, five and six, said stand is respectively triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal and octagonal shapes.
 4. The stand of claim 1, further comprising a Teflon ring located within said hole and interfacing the perimeter surface of said hole on first side and the surface of said pole on a side parallel said first side.
 5. The stand of claim 1, further comprising gearwheel coupling located within said hole and interfacing the perimeter surface of said hole on first side and the surface of said pole on a side parallel said first side.
 6. The stand of claim 1, wherein said stand is modular comprising two parts connectable with each other with manually releasable fastening means located along interface surfaces of said parts, said modular stand is configured for enabling frictionless, fast manual rolling of said Torah scroll.
 7. The stand of claim 6, wherein said fastening means comprising two magnet strips, each strip located along one of said interface surface of each part, said magnet strips having opposing magnetic poles one relative each other enabling attaching said parts with other and manually releasing said parts from each other.
 8. The stand of claim 7, wherein said magnet strips are attached each on said surface of said interfaces.
 9. The stand of claim 7, wherein said magnet strips are concealed within said stand each just beneath said surface of said interface.
 10. The stand of claim 6, wherein said fastening means comprising upper and lower clips, said upper clip located above said hole, said lower clip located below said hole, said clips surrounding the perimeter of said stand and fastened at their ends with releasable fastening means.
 11. The stand of claim 6, wherein said fastening means comprising top and bottom screws, said top screw located above said hole and inserted through a through hole extending between outer surfaces and through said interface surfaces of said parts, said bottom screw located below said hole and inserted into a hole formed of two halves at each side of said interface surfaces, and flat rings between heads of said screws and outer surface of said parts.
 12. The stand of claim 1, wherein said stand is made of any material selected from solid polymeric material, metal, metallic alloys, wood and any combination thereof.
 13. The stand of claim 12, wherein said solid polymeric material is PMMA (Perspex or polymethyl methacrylate).
 14. The stand of claim 12, wherein said metal and metallic alloys are selected from copper, silver, gold, brass, bronze, aluminum and iron.
 15. A stand configured for enabling frictionless, fast manual rolling of Torah scroll comprising: main body; at least three sides; and through hole in center of said main body, where vertical length of said main body is larger than diameter of discs positioned on two sides of each of two parallel poles on which said Torah scroll is rolled.
 16. An apparatus configured for enabling frictionless, fast manual rolling of Torah scroll comprising: four stands, each one of said stands comprising: main body; at least three round-shaped apices; concave-shaped sides; and through hole in said body; a pair of poles placed parallel each other and to which the end sheets of said Torah scroll are fixedly attached, said pair of poles is configured to enable manual rolling, folding and unfolding said Torah scroll; at least four discs, each one of said discs is mounted on one of said poles at selected distance from the ends of said poles, said discs configured to provide support for said Torah scroll and prevent it from slipping down towards said ends of said poles, wherein each one of said four stands is positioned on said pole between said Torah scroll and said discs, wherein said through hole of each one of said four stands is configured to enable insertion of said stand on said poles, said hole is located in said body at a height sufficient to lift said Torah scroll above a flat surface, said four stands configured to hold said Torah scroll at elevated, balanced position above said horizontal surface and rolled it between said pair of poles parallel each other.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said apparatus comprises two pairs of discs, each pair of discs positioned on one of said poles a selected distance from first end of said pole and two single discs positioned on one of said poles a selected distance from second end of said pole opposite said first end, wherein two of said four stands are positioned each between the discs of one of said two pairs of discs. 